Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail - Little Mountain, SC

Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail - Little Mountain, SC Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail - Little Mountain, SC Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail - Little Mountain, SC Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail - Little Mountain, SC Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail - Little Mountain, SC
Shade Available
Seating
Parking

Alston Trailhead – Palmetto Trail: A Dog-Friendly Adventure in Little Mountain, South Carolina

Experience the beauty and history of the Alston Trailhead, part of the scenic Palmetto Trail near Little Mountain, SC. This pet-friendly trail begins with a stunning walk across the historic railroad trestle bridge, offering river views and a peaceful atmosphere that dog owners and their pups will love. The mostly shaded, tree-lined paths are ideal for leisurely walks, dog-friendly hiking, biking, and running, making it a wonderful destination for both locals and visitors.

Convenient parking is available up a hill near the entrance, with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits nearby—perfect for a relaxing day out with your furry friend. While the site is currently making improvements, it already provides ample opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and is a great choice for anyone searching for a dog park in Little Mountain, South Carolina or those looking to explore more pet-friendly trails in the area. The blend of history, nature, and accessibility makes Alston Trailhead a unique and inviting spot for your next dog-friendly adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Alston Trailhead is part of the Palmetto Trail and is great for hiking, biking, and running with your dog.
  • Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, much of the trail is shaded by trees.
  • Is there parking available? Yes, parking is available up a hill near the trailhead.
  • Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables, grills, and fire pits near the parking lot.
  • Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, depending on the season, mosquito and tick repellent is recommended.

Reviews

Sutton Van

Super cool trailhead on Palmetto Trail. 10.6 mile section on old rail line. Super neat train bridge from 1905 right at parking lot

Sutton Van

Super cool trailhead on Palmetto Trail. 10.6 mile section on old rail line. Super neat train bridge from 1905 right at parking lot

Shauna Littlechief

Found this little spot by chance. Had to turn around to visit it and ask glad we did. Alston Trailhead is a beautiful and educational section of the palmetto trail. Where a town once stood before being washed away by flood waters. Definitely worth the stop to wall across the old train trussel. Definitely planning a trip this spring to from ,Wahallaha to Awendaw!

Shauna Littlechief

Found this little spot by chance. Had to turn around to visit it and ask glad we did. Alston Trailhead is a beautiful and educational section of the palmetto trail. Where a town once stood before being washed away by flood waters. Definitely worth the stop to wall across the old train trussel. Definitely planning a trip this spring to from ,Wahallaha to Awendaw!

Shauna Littlechief

Found this little spot by chance. Had to turn around to visit it and ask glad we did. Alston Trailhead is a beautiful and educational section of the palmetto trail. Where a town once stood before being washed away by flood waters. Definitely worth the stop to wall across the old train trussel. Definitely planning a trip this spring to from ,Wahallaha to Awendaw!

David Novack

This is a beautiful trailhead that starts off at the old railroad trestle bridge. The site is under construction right now but looks to be making some excellent improvements. Depending on the time of year, you absolutely want to make sure you have some sort of mosquito and tick repellent. The first part of the walk goes across the old railroad bridge over the river and is in my opinion the highlight of the hike. I’m hoping with the new construction project they put in some restroom facilities but I did not locate any on this part of the trail. Keeping in mind this is a straight trail you’re going to have to walk out and back unless you have a ride at the other end.

David Novack

This is a beautiful trailhead that starts off at the old railroad trestle bridge. The site is under construction right now but looks to be making some excellent improvements. Depending on the time of year, you absolutely want to make sure you have some sort of mosquito and tick repellent. The first part of the walk goes across the old railroad bridge over the river and is in my opinion the highlight of the hike. I’m hoping with the new construction project they put in some restroom facilities but I did not locate any on this part of the trail. Keeping in mind this is a straight trail you’re going to have to walk out and back unless you have a ride at the other end.

David Novack

This is a beautiful trailhead that starts off at the old railroad trestle bridge. The site is under construction right now but looks to be making some excellent improvements. Depending on the time of year, you absolutely want to make sure you have some sort of mosquito and tick repellent. The first part of the walk goes across the old railroad bridge over the river and is in my opinion the highlight of the hike. I’m hoping with the new construction project they put in some restroom facilities but I did not locate any on this part of the trail. Keeping in mind this is a straight trail you’re going to have to walk out and back unless you have a ride at the other end.

Christy Lynn

What a great trail! The parking spot was pretty easy to find. I almost parked where you unload canoes. But, if you keep going a little further, the parking lot is up a hill on the left. (You will see a gate on the right, which threw me off for a second) 😉

The trail starts off on a wooden bridge, which gives a beautiful view of the river. We went about 1.5 miles and came back. The trail is mostly shaded by trees and pretty easy walk. And I heard lots of cardinals. I just wished I had brought binoculars.

This would be great for biking and running.

And near the parking lot are picnic tables, grills and fire pits.

I will definitely be back.

Christy Lynn

What a great trail! The parking spot was pretty easy to find. I almost parked where you unload canoes. But, if you keep going a little further, the parking lot is up a hill on the left. (You will see a gate on the right, which threw me off for a second) 😉

The trail starts off on a wooden bridge, which gives a beautiful view of the river. We went about 1.5 miles and came back. The trail is mostly shaded by trees and pretty easy walk. And I heard lots of cardinals. I just wished I had brought binoculars.

This would be great for biking and running.

And near the parking lot are picnic tables, grills and fire pits.

I will definitely be back.

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